1962 Jaguar E-Type SIII

1962 Jaguar E-Type SIII

Summary

Year of manufacture

1962

Car type

Other

Drive

RHD

Condition

Used

Location

Exterior colour

Other

Description

As part of the lineage that had brought the glorious D type, the E type appeared like a flash of lightning at its world unveiling at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Its oversized hood and rocket-style lines have remained in collective memory as one of the most beautiful "automobile sculptures" of all time, way ahead of its rivals. The media frenzy that surrounded it wasn't just a brief infatuation, since in 1996 it would be incorporated into the MoMA's collection!

With the promise of an international career, the first E type coupé, registered as 9600HP, was unveiled in March 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show. William Lyons had carefully maintained the secret, and his new masterpiece would set off a shock wave in the automobile world. The E, the apt inheritor of the XK 120 legacy, provoked the same wonder at the opening of the motor show as its elder sibling did two years after the end of the War.

The first coupé to be imported into France, chassis n° 885006, was given a triumphant reception at its promotional rounds. It was used as a "mule" by journalists for road-tests and would be authorized as road-worthy by the "Service des Mines" (French road-worthiness authority) in April. The inspectors in charge of this process were so absorbed by this wondrous "cigar", that they completely overlooked the absence of a registration plate! Its first owner, the actor Jacques Charrier, Brigitte Bardot's husband, was the first of an endless list of celebrities that would be consumed by the desire to own this new "sex-symbol".

This success was not just due to its breathtaking bodywork and its excessively long hood. It was also a question of numbers: 265 hp 3.8 liter in-line 6 cylinder engine, 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, top speed of 150 mph, were amazing performance statistics that rivaled those of the Aston Martins and Ferraris, whilst it was only half the price!

This Magnificent earlier roadster 3.8L is in the more look after version with a stunning original colors combination.

Delivered new the 1st November 1962 in Frankfurt, Germany, to Peter Lindner this fully matching numbers E type retains its matching colors. Finished in opalescent gunmetal, with red leather, black carpets and soft hood. It has been subject to a complete restoration and been very well maintained since. It is still conforming to its original built sheet, has clear history and the Jaguar Heritage certificate. Ready to enjoy, this desirable roadster will be delivered with a huge historic file with a lot of invoices, photos, original handbook, FIVA card, FIA pass and Swiss title.